Beyond the Book: The Secret Service

What do you know about the Secret Service? For most of us the answer is-not much. The only thing I knew about the Secret Service is that they protect the president. Since the Secret Service plays such a critical role in Blue 52 I thought I’d do a little research and find out more about it. I hope you enjoy reading what I found out. If you know more about this organization please feel free to tell us in a comment. All I’m giving you is a little basic knowledge.

The Secret Service is one of America’s oldest federal investigative law enforcement agencies.  It was founded in 1865 as a branch of the U.S. Treasury Department. It was originally created to combat counterfeiting which was a serious problem at the time. They didn’t get involved in protecting the president until 1901 following the assassination of President William McKinley in Buffalo, New York.  So today they have two major goals: protection of the president, the vice-president, and other high government officials and protecting our financial infrastructure.

 Secret Service agents are authorized to do all of the following things:

Carry guns

Execute warrants

Make arrests without warrants if necessary

Offer rewards for information

Investigate certain kinds of fraud 

Protection

Would you like to be a Secret Service agent?  If so, be aware that you’ll have to pass a full background check that lasts anywhere from six to nine months. They’ll be checking your employment and police records, credit history, school transcripts, and military records.  They’ll also be asking your neighbors and acquaintances about you.  To be hired you’ll have to be able to get Top Secret government clearance.

Still want to join up? If you’d like to be an agent here’s the place to start: http://www.secretservice.gov. Lots of luck!

Violins and Vampires

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be giving away a $20 Amazon/BN GC via Rafflecopter. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Lexa Kozlov must pay off her family's massive debt to the mob... all while raising even more money to save her little sister. The result? A never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the Bratva. Lexa barely has time to sleep, let alone find love.

Enter Caelin Vass, the handsome Scotsman who runs Empire Investments. Caelin offers Lexa a new job with dollars galore, as well as a hot bod (his own) to contemplate every workday. Even so, Lexa isn’t sure. Freaky things keep happening whenever Lexa and Caelin are alone. The energy between them is magical, sensual, and way overwhelming.

Is Lexa leaving her old prison just to enter a worse one… or is Caelin Vass all he seems and more?

***12,000 word novella, previously published on Kindle Vella as Blood Slave***

Read an Excerpt

My heels click along the wooden floor as I make my way through the shadows. At last, I reach the end of the hallway. The next door is closed, but its shape is outlined by the light beyond.

That's where my potential employer waits. Caelin Vass. My heart thuds faster.

I press my palm against the door. It swings open with barely any pressure. Stepping across the threshold, I enter a fancy version of the Lucky Ladies' Lounge. Where Otto's place is all torn furniture covered in questionable stains, this room holds real leather club chairs. Across from the sitting area, there's a large wooden desk. Red velvet curtains cover the windows. Plush oriental rugs line the floor. Oil paintings of the Scottish countryside cover the walls.

On a nearby couch sits the exact man I saw last night. Turns out, my hallucinating skills are pretty accurate. Vass' broad shoulders fill out his dark suit perfectly. Every strand of his dark hair is perfectly combed to highlight his intense stare.

Oh, those eyes.

Vass is the kind of man who looks right through you. I feel exposed, like every scintilla of my soul is laid bare on the fancy carpet. Vass also sports the perfect level of scruff on his chin, too. I'm a sucker for that. And don't get me started on his lips. I can't help but picture his full mouth on my breast.

Wait, WHAT? Am I really thinking about sex right now?

I straighten my skirt and wait by the door. Vass keeps staring at me. A strange kind of electricity fills the air. The room seems to collapse until there is only me and Vass. I don't believe in hocus pocus, but if I didn't know better? I'd think the guy is trying a mind spell on me. What did they call it in that movie I watched with Mom? Vampire glamour.

Right.

The guy is just trying to psych me out, end of story. It's another power play, like having his secretary ask me to strip down while he can watch it all on closed circuit cameras or whatever. Total creep move. The more I think about it, the angrier I get.

And my temper takes over. Again.

I set my fist on my hip and run off my mouth. "Next time, if you want to see my lady bits, take me out to a nice dinner first. You know, like an actual man."

The sense of power and connection instantly snaps. An odd chill fills the room. Vass watches me for a long minute. And I might be imagining things, but it seems that his lips are parted in an expression of disbelief.

I squint and get a better look. Turns out, I'm totally right. His mouth is hanging open.

Score one for Lexa.

About the Author:

CEE BEE writes stories that blend epic fantasy, steamy romance, and lots of sass. If you want immersive tales that transport you to fresh worlds (and new book boyfriends) then you’ve come to the right author. To learn more about CEE BEE, please visit www.ceebeeauthor.com. Her new book, VIOLINS AND VAMPIRES, is available on Kindle Unlimited: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZYVCNC3

CEE BEE also writes young adult fare under the name Christina Bauer. Check out Christina’s books at her website. There’s a literal sh*t ton of them.

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Vampires of the Daemonverse Series
1. Violins and Vampires – now on Kindle Unlimited: Amazon ONLY $0.99
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Valor and Vampires

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Murderous Interruptions

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. C.J. Carson will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The paranormal mystery The Veils of Parallel Times continues with “Murderous Interruptions”. Allie Callahan’s nemesis is a challenging and formidable adversary.

Travel with Allie as she finally accepts and embraces her ancestral gifts to stop her archenemy who would have her destroyed for his own lust of power. Explore the depths of her relationship with this rival in this life and beyond the veil.

Read an Excerpt

When I turned from the fire to respond, the woman hushed me. “You have much work to do, my dear, now rest.” She held me in her arms, swallowing me up in the most comforting sleep I could remember for a very long time, maybe ever.

Hours later, the warm glare of the sun’s first light sliced through the trees of the forest, waking me from a sound sleep. The air was cool and crisp, and I was laying next to the fire that had burned down to smoldering coals. Suddenly, realizing I wasn’t dreaming, I was in unfamiliar surroundings. I remembered the woman I had met the evening before, but she was not within eyeshot. Glancing around to get my bearings, it was shocking to be sitting in the middle of a small clearing of the woods. Several teepees made of tall tree branches wrapped in animal skins sat along the edge of the clearing. Standing and sliding out from under the animal skin blanket, I looked down to see myself dressed in unfamiliar clothes, and leather moccasins covering my feet. I had the strange sensation I was in a familiar place, but still not where I belonged.

Before I took one step, I scanned the area. Then something compelled me to approach one of the dwellings. As I drew closer, an Indian brave stepped out. Grabbing me by the arm, he pulled me into the teepee and shoved me to the ground. Walking to the edge of the space, he retrieved a large round basket and shot it at me with such force I thought it might fray. Shocked, I gazed up at him, he looked oddly familiar, but it was his eyes that gave him away. These new experiences were teaching me that the eyes were indeed the window to the soul. Those dark brown eyes were those of a man I knew all too well. Makya! Could this be Makya? Had I known him through other lifetimes? Although he spoke in a different tongue, it somehow translated perfectly for me.

He was angry and started barking. “You are a lazy dreamer. Why you insist on leaving our dwelling and choose to lay with the fire in place of me is a mystery. You need to do your gathering, and you are late in starting your day. I am off to hunt. You will obey me and begin behaving like a squaw worthy of me.”

I heard footsteps outside as someone was approaching. “Calian, are you coming? We are late; the morning is half over.”

Stunned, my eyes widened. Makya? Although the man called him Calian, the spirit was too familiar. It was the evil spirit I’d come to know as Makya! It didn’t look like him, but it was his temperament.

As I pushed up to my knees, Calian glared down at me, striking out in my direction. Although his hand never touched me, a force knocked me back to the ground. As I raised my hand to him, he grabbed my wrist, twisting it, and forced me back to the ground.

“You know better. Do not use your powers on me. I will strike you down every time. You are no match for me!”

Panic rose in me as I struggled to understand what was happening. If this brave was indeed Makya by a different name, how did we get here?

Pushing through the opening in the structure, he paused without turning to me. “Do not return this afternoon unless you have filled that basket with berries and some healing herbs. You must learn your place and mind your responsibilities. Do not make me the laughingstock of this tribe one more time!”

I listened to his footsteps as he jogged off, mounted his horse, and rode away before I got up from the ground.

About the Author:

CJ Carson was inspired by a great story from a very early age. What brought her to this juncture in life and encouraged her to put pen to paper are the many rich experiences and opportunities of her life's journey.

While working in the medical field, she explored energy work and became a Polarity Therapist and Reiki Therapist.

Exploring acting brought her into the theatre world both on the stage and behind the scenes.

Painting introduced her to a group of artists that shared her passion for bringing a scene to canvas.

Her love of singing allowed her to travel twice to Europe as a soloist with conductor Sonja Dahlgren Prior, who inspired her to do something, she never dreamed possible.

CJ Carson has always wanted to write. Now she is introducing to the world her second published book, "Murderous Interruptions," from her trilogy, Veils of Parallel Times.

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Saturday Sample and Weekend Writing Warriors

 Welcome to my blog. Today I'd like to share an excerpt from my all time favorite book Blue 52. On Sunday when you finish here you can go to www.wewriwa.blogspot.com for more excerpts from a talented group of authors. 

Blurb:

First Lady Kills President Lovinggood" 

December 5, 2018 

Thirty years later, Hank Lovinggood embarks on a quest to prove his mother's innocence and punish the killers who took his family from him. Together Hank and lovely physicist Dr. Kathryn Sinclair confront an implacable, twisted, and merciless enemy who'll do whatever it takes to hide the truth forever.

Last Week's Excerpt: 

Elaine slowly made her way up the stairs and went into her room, where she sat down in front of her dressing table. She loved Henry to distraction. So much so that at times she actually wished he had died with Richard. He’d have been happy then. As it was... At first she had assumed he’deventually get over his hurt and be okay, but he never did. He grieved as much today as he had right after the murder took place and would go to his own grave mourning his dead son.

Sometimes she cursed the Renexin in the American water supply. Who wanted to live to one hundred fifteen? The sooner death came, the better. She’d had enough losses and pain in her life. Enough was enough.

Today's Excerpt: 

Hank shut his bedroom door behind him and threw himself down on the sofa that rested near the window. He had expected this news for some time. The Flash Train could transport both people and goods economically and quickly. Of course the state would move a cemetery to make room for the train.

The small picture of his mother and father that stood on the end table beside the sofa captured his attention and made him think of his grandfather’s study. Until a few months ago, pictures of his father filled every available inch of the study. It had reminded Hank of a shrine, a shrine his grandfather had created for his lost son.

The senator had removed most of the pictures after his grandmother threw a tremendous tantrum that sent her to the emergency room, but he still looked at them when she wasn’t around. I didn’t like looking at the pictures. Why be constantly reminded of all I’ve lost?

He had been three years old when his parents died, so he didn’t remember much about them, but he still felt their loss with every breath he took. Why wouldn’t he? That dreadful tragedy cast a long shadow. His jaw clenched. It hurt like hell to know that in his grandfather’s eyes, he couldn’t measure up to his father.

The senator had never even hinted that he believed such a thing, but he’d have to be brain dead not to pick up on it.

Beyond the Birch

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Torina Kingsley will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Eleven year old Macy dreams of action and adventure that will take her far beyond her family's farm. But what will happen when that adventure finds her?

Long ago, faeries were banished from the land after a legendary battle. So long ago that many wonder if faeries really exist or if the battle was just a tall tale. But one mysterious night, Macy's mother is attacked, and ever since, unusual things start happening. Missing items, changing moods, and most strange of all, the family's sheep start behaving unusually.

Her mother is suddenly determined to get rid of the sheep, and Macy suspects that the reason may be sinister. When Macy meets a boy her age, the aloof and sarcastic Jay, they embark on a journey to discover the truth and save her mother. In this twist on The Wonderful Birch, you won't find kings, queens, or evil stepmothers. Instead, you'll find two courageous pre-teens from the outskirts, ready to defend Odele from the magical forces that threaten it.

Read an Excerpt

“Oh, yes,” the old woman sighed. “There was a terrible fire, and I lost my home. I am going to my sister’s to stay with her for a while. If I can make it there.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Laurel smiled at the woman, “If you’d like to rest for the night, you are welcome to stay with my family. We have a farm just outside of town.” Though they didn’t have much, Laurel knew she would be able to spare some bread and find her some blankets for the night. She couldn’t bear the thought of leaving the woman alone in the dark wood.

“I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“Nonsense, we’d love to have you.”

The old woman’s shoulders visibly relaxed, “Oh, thank you! Thank you!” she cried. “You can call me Dores.”

“Well, Dores, I was just heading home anyway. It seems my daughter left the pasture gate open again, and a sheep got out. I was hoping to find him before dark, but it seems I will have to keep searching in the morning.”

“I can’t thank you enough dear,” the old woman said, shivering.

Laurel was used to the crisp, cool night air. Without a word, she removed her shawl and offered it to Dores.

All at once, Laurel was overwhelmed with an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach. She inhaled sharply and looked frantically about, trying to place the source of the sudden sensation, but it was too late. There was a flash, and both women let out a shriek.

About the Author:Author Torina Kingsley masterfully creates a world where things aren't always as they seem. Beyond the Birch is an imaginative spin on an old folktale that reminds us all to hold our loved ones close and always believe in own our capabilities.

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The Starfolk Trilogy

 

The Starfolk Trilogy

by Martha Dunlop

 

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GENRE:   Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

 

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BLURB:

 

Destiny calls. Soulmates draw closer. One woman stands in the way.

Beth trusts her psychic senses. So when her birthday visit to a daytime TV talk show takes a weird turn, she knows something is wrong. Amelia, the celebrity on stage, is oddly fixated on Beth and the man with the microphone is hauntingly familiar. Things become even stranger when she buys a tarot deck, and they are all pictured in the cards.  

Jonan has waited an eternity to be with the woman who haunts his dreams. When he finally sees her at the TV studio, he hopes life with his soulmate is within reach. But as Amelia refuses to let go of their past together, his hopes fade.

Amelia stands between Beth and Jonan. Spinning tales of supernatural threats to her adoring fan base, she builds a personality cult through fear of the paranormal. As her power grows, she does her best to scare Beth away from Jonan and plans to reclaim him for herself.

United by a destiny that spans lifetimes, Beth and Jonan are determined to stop Amelia’s fear-mongering. But Amelia has more than one card to play. Even though they are fated to be together, Amelia’s destructive nature may once again tear them apart.

 

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EXCERPT

 

Beth sighed and slouched down in her front row seat at the TV studio. If she’d known she was going to be subjected to this drivel, she wouldn’t have come. She’d been here for two hours already, and not one of the stories had been genuine. Her so-called friend and flatmate had a lot to answer for. She was pleased Laura loved her new job, and it had been obvious her friend’s enthusiasm about the chat show was overblown, but this was worse than she’d expected.

 

She caught a movement out of the corner of her eye and turned. Laura was standing off to the side of the set, waving her clipboard at Beth. She shifted on her mile-high spikes. Her feet must have been so uncomfortable, but Laura had been determined to make an impression today. Her eyes were bright as she scanned the set, drinking in her world. This job was her triumph. Beth couldn’t fault her enthusiasm, she just wished Laura had left her out of today’s charade.

 

Seated on the dais, Katherine Haversham waited for a moment, eyebrows raised, bright red lips pursed.

 

‘Thank you for staying with us over the break. I know this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Model and It girl Amelia Faustus is here, live, on Deep and Dark to break her silence over the horrific out-of-body attack that took her from the media spotlight. After weeks of fear and soul-searching, she has decided to step back into the public eye. Amelia, welcome. Tell us what happened.’ Katherine leaned forward. ‘Start from the beginning.’

 

A Word With the Author

1.Did you always want to be an author?

 

Looking back, I have no idea why I didn’t know I wanted to be an author!  As a child I constantly told myself stories, imagining different realities and variations on the life I was living. Those stories were entertainment, company and more.  As a teenager I experimented with writing them down, but I felt I didn’t have enough life experience to do any of them justice, so I figured I’d come back to it later.  I started writing seriously in my late 20s.  As life became more challenging, writing became a way to explore what was happening from different angles. I still use writing that way.  Back then I would write on the train, on my way to work, and again at lunchtime in cafes.  It was a wonderful escape. I worked on that book for over ten years and wrote it in two different genres. It will never see the light of day, but it was a wonderful training ground for me.

 

2.Tell us about the publication of your first book.

 

The first book I published was The Starfolk Arcana, book 1 of my Starfolk Trilogy.  After years of dreaming of publishing, I actually put that first book into the world during Covid, in the run-up to a lockdown.  It wasn’t the start I’d imagined. I couldn’t go into bookshops or libraries, I couldn’t get out and speak to people. Thank goodness for the internet!  That way I was able to connect with people, get my book out there, and begin life as an author!  

 

Immersing myself in my books and my publication journey throughout the lockdowns was a wonderful escape.  And as I put the book out there, I saw the themes in the story come to life in ever more vivid ways. Beth and Jonan, my main characters, are dealing with a high profile celebrity who is spreading disinformation, and luring people to follow her by pushing fear and her protection organisation, Amelia’s Haven. She spreads scary stories of paranormal attack and warns people that their loved ones will be targetted. That’s a pretty powerful claim, if you believe it.  My protagonist, Beth, can see right through Amelia’s lies, and can’t understand why other people are sucked in. But the more involved she becomes, the more she discovers about her own destiny, her triggers, and the mysterious man with the violet eyes! 

 

3.Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in?

 

My favourite author changes continually, depending on what I’m reading at any given time!  But I love anything by P.M. Terrell, particularly her mystic books like A Thin Slice of Heaven, April in the Back of Beyond and The Tempest Murders books.  I also recently read a fabulous book called The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins which is out this month, and I love Nora Roberts’ paranormal books.  

4.What's the best part of being an author? The worst?

 

The best part of being an author is simply making up stories and getting to know and fall in love with my characters!  I love writing the first draft and letting my imagination lead the way. I’m less delighted with the end stages of editing where I’ve read my manuscript a million times already, but every part of the process is so important, even if they’re not all equally fun! 

5.What are you working on now?

 

At the moment I’m writing the third book in The Starfolk Trilogy, which I hope will be out early next year.  I have it all mapped out and am working my way towards the final conclusion, which is very exciting! I’m also dreaming about my next trilogy and a standalone speculative thriller.  So we’ll see where those adventures take me. Please do watch this space!  

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Martha is a dreamer and lover of stories who likes nothing better than spending her days getting to know the characters in her head.

She is a tarot card reader and reiki master, and loves to chat reading, writing and all things mystical on social media, as well as posting pictures of her fellow pack-member, Bertie the Cavalier.

 

A fiddle player, Martha fell in love with traditional music, particularly Irish, and is also teaching herself to play the Irish Bouzouki. She played her way through her English degree at York and remembers that time as much for the music as the books.

 

Martha is the author of three books: The Starfolk Arcana, Starfolk Falling, and standalone Wild Shadow.  She is currently working on Book 3 of The Starfolk Trilogy, Starfolk Rising. 

 

You can keep up with Martha’s news, book releases and extra content at www.marthadunlop.com, or on her Amazon page, https://www.amazon.com/Martha-Dunlop/e/B08HN73S3D. 

 

You can also find her on social media at: 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MarthaDunlop

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarthaDunlopStories/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthadunlop/

 

Head shot by Gene Genie Photography, www.genegenie.photography

 

The books will be $0.99 from May 19-26.

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

Martha Dunlop will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

 

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The New Enchantress

 

The New Enchantress

by Sunayna Prasad

 

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GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy

 

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BLURB:

 

Cursed by a sorcerer’s hex, Alyssa McCarthy finds herself in a fight she can’t afford to lose, or everything she knows will be lost!

 

After she finishes her final year of junior high, fourteen-year-old Alyssa faces an uncertain future in more ways than one when a sorcerer casts a hex that leaves her with involuntary magical powers that are too dangerous to remove.

 

Unable to control her newly gained abilities Alyssa’s end-of-middle-school sleepover ends in disaster when she knocks her friends unconscious when her powers go out of control. If Alyssa can’t learn to master her magic soon, she will be cursed to forget her loved ones and serve as the warlock’s slave for all of eternity.

 

Her only hope is to focus on controlling her emotions if she is to break the curse. However, the difficulties of adolescence, along with the perils and growing disasters she faces, make Alyssa struggle even more. From putting her friends’ lives at risk to losing their trust, she continues to fear what will become of her if she fails.

 

Will Alyssa be able to break the hex and become the enchantress that she was meant to be, or will she become enslaved to the sorcerer forever?

 

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EXCERPT

 

Alyssa played the video she’d made for the upcoming teen film festival. If she submitted it, she would earn five extra points to add to her 70 in math. That would allow her to drop the mandatory extra-help class for students with final scores less than a 75.

 

She watched the clip, experiencing watery eyes when she heard herself discussing losing her parents in a car crash when she was seven and other tragic events in her life. It concluded with how those times had shaped her into the person she was today, Friday, June 10th, 2011. She exported the project and would upload it to the festival’s site later. The deadline was not until Monday, 7 P.M. So, after this, she could focus on the end-of-middle-school sleepover that would happen today.

 

But the screen froze, and a small popup stated, “Cannot export file.”

 

“Huh?” 

 

How could a two-month-old device encounter issues already? Alyssa had had to wait until her last birthday, in April, and needed to maintain good grades at school to get her own computer. She recalled what her godfather, Alex, had told her in February after her math substitute had informed him about her scores dropping. “Alyssa, if you don’t get your grades up in math, you might not earn that laptop.” He loved and cared for her like a daughter yet shared no blood relation to her family members. She’d lived with him since turning thirteen last year.

 

Her breathing caught at the popup—a new model should not have a virus already. But she told herself, I’m fourteen and am going to start high school this fall. I can fix this.

 

The computer turned itself off, closed itself, and crushed Alyssa’s fingers.

 

“Ow!” she cried.

 

The device slid off her lap and under her bed. She looked underneath it—without warning, dust blew onto her, covering her petite body.

 

She coughed as the soot settled. Then she brushed the dirt off her black shirt and its straps on her narrow shoulders, followed by her short shorts and skin. She shook bits out of her straight, pale-blonde hair, which fell a few inches below her hips.

 

She’d dealt with enough sorcery already, once last year in March and again this past fall. However, neither she nor anybody in her life possessed magic in their blood. From age eight until two springs ago, she’d believed that magic hadn’t existed.

 

She had interacted with a few magicians when dealing with supernatural situations that no one as young as she should have to experience.

 

She planned to find that idiot who just ruined her summer by stealing her laptop. A folded piece of paper appeared on her bed and seemed to include the word, laptop, so she read it.

 

Alyssa,

 

Your laptop is going to become a new brain-domination computer. The International Magic Control has disabled all the existing ones and has banned any magic from transforming enchanted technology into mind-managing devices. But your laptop is needed exclusively for my particular process.

Also, don’t remove your new magic powers. If you try, you might die.

 

Anonymous

 

The note vanished into thin air. Alyssa touched her forehead and breathed since wizardry shouldn’t work on standard technology. Possibilities advanced over time, but they still had numerous everlasting limits.

A Word With the Author

 1.Did you always want to be an author?

 

No. I enjoyed writing picture books as a little kid. But when I entered the 5^th grade, I lost interest in writing stories since I felt my ideas sounded too lame. But that changed shortly after beginning 11^th grade. The idea of my MC came into my head while I took a shower. That it when I returned to becoming a writer.

2.Tell us about the publication of your first book.

 

Alyssa is living with her harsh and unfair uncle as well as her sweet younger cousin. A wicked sorcerer kidnaps her to Fiji, where he plans to enslave her to the point she weakens. But she must overthrow him in order to save herself.

3.Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in?

 

I honestly don’t know.

4.What's the best part of being an author? The worst?

 

The best part is getting be creative. The worst is when you get writer’s block.

5.What are you working on now?

 

The 4^th installment in the “Magical Missions” series.

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Sunayna Prasad enjoys writing fantasy books for children, as well as cooking, creating artwork, watching online videos, and blogging. She has also written The Frights of Fiji and A Curse of Mayhem. She is passionate about modern-day life in fantasy stories, worldbuilding, and even humor. She is constantly brainstorming new ideas and using her creativity.

 

Sunayna graduated from college in 2017 and lives in New York.

 

https://www.sunaynaprasadbooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Sunayna-Prasad-468868846787369/

https://twitter.com/sunaynaprasad

https://www.amazon.com/Sunayna-Prasad/e/B00F21NN38

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08R5L55TG

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

 

Sunayna Prasad will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

  

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The Prince

The Prince

by Antony Soehner

 

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GENRE:   General/Epic Fantasy

 

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BLURB:

 

Destiny will always test the greatest of leaders.
Theo never imagined life outside the king’s castle. But when the queen’s funeral reveals the king’s true colors, Theo must rely on his sister, her allies, and his friends to get him to safety. With the help of mercenaries and the native tribes of the plains, Theo must learn to face his destiny and open his mind to the diverse world he’s been thrown into.

 

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EXCERPT

 

“Dad!” Rhan burst out.

 

Ta’goda turned his intense focus to his daughter and suddenly his entire body deflated.

 

Without another word between the two, Ta’goda stood up from his fighting stance, faced whatever was hiding from view of the other three, and he closed his eyes.

 

Around the towering orc, three snarling wolves made of green flame formed from the ground up. Ta’goda raised his axe in the direction of his fight and the wolves took off.

 

Once the wolves were out of sight, Ta’goda rushed to his daughter and wrapped her in his arms.

 

“Rhan,” Ta’goda choked out.

 

“I’m okay,” she cried into his shoulder.

 

The chief pulled away and looked her in the eyes.

 

“What happened?” Rhan asked as she wiped away tears from her cheeks.

 

“We are under attack,” Ta’goda gritted his teeth, “I must get back to the battle. Our tribe needs me.”

 

“And me—”

 

Ta’goda shook his head at Rhan’s protest.

 

“What?” Rhan blinked at her father.

 

“You have a new duty,” Ta’goda swallowed. The chief’s eyes peered over his daughter’s shoulders and locked onto Theo. “I cannot leave our people and get the prince to the rivers—”

 

“I’m not leaving you here—”

 

“Rhan’takono, this is not the time to argue—”

 

“There is nothing to argue over! I’m fighting beside you—”

 

“I can’t—”

 

“I am to be chief one day! How can I stand before my people after running from this?”

 

“If you don’t go now, there won’t be a tribe for you to be chief of!” Ta’goda snapped. “This is not a command as your chief. I am begging you as your father—” the words caught in the back of his throat, “please.”

 

A Word With the Author

 1. Did you always want to be an author?

 

I never thought I would become an author. I’ve always had an affinity for creating with words and I’m a huge Dungeons and Dragons geek. Somewhere after high school, I found myself leaning into those two hobbies, and about a year later, I was publishing my first book.

2. Tell us about the publication of your first book.

 

My first book is titled “Gather the Party.” It's the first in a trilogy about a Dungeons and Dragons gaming group. I started writing it while I was doing my brief stint in college in 2017. It took me about three months to finish and when I was ready with it, I handed it to my mom and asked her for her professional opinion as an Author and Publisher. (She has self-published 50+ titles since 2011.) From there, it was a lot of touch and go learning from her on how to get my manuscript edited, formatted, and then published. It’s been a long few years since then and I now have 10 of my own titles self-published with more on the way!

3. Besides yourself, who is your favorite author in the genre you write in?

 

I’m sure it's a little cliche of an answer but J.R.R. Tolkien is my favorite fantasy author of all time. His work has stood the test of time and gets better like a well-aged wine. But my favorite part is that the man was practically his own scholar with such a vast knowledge of his own world. He created all sorts of specific languages, has numerous additional readings about the deep lore, and yet it's all an allegory for real-world issues from his time. I’ve specifically re-read The Hobbit all the time. 

4. What's the best part of being an author? The worst?

 

I think the best part is the writing. When the stars align and I’m having a stellar inspiration day or week, I can sit and create stories for hours. My GoogleDrive is filled with all sorts of writings and projects.

The worst part has to be the marketing and social media work. I’m not great when it comes to promoting myself digitally and especially using things like Instagram is difficult for me. I’m a much better salesman and promoter when I’m in person at things like conventions and craft shows.

5. What are you working on now?

 

Currently, I’m working on book four of the “Prince Theo Saga” as well as editing book two. If all things go well this summer, book two titled “The Admiral” should be available sometime in April of 2023!

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Geek by heart, author by trade.

Raised on a healthy diet of geek and pop culture, Antony has come to share his love and appreciation for role-playing games, geek culture, and fantasy adventure. If it’s random comic book facts, Star Wars trivia, or just the measly obscure movie reference, Antony is there!

 

Website: Antonysoehner.com

 

Twitter: @AntonySoehner https://twitter.com/AntonySoehner

 

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AntonySoehner/

 

Instagram: @AntonySoehner https://www.instagram.com/antonysoehner/

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17220779.Antony_Soehner

 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/antony-soehner

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Antony-Soehner/e/B075Z3GM57/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

 

The book will be $0.99 during the tour.

 

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

Antony Soehner will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway